A effort is underway to raise money towards a Santa Fe Park Veteran’s Memorial in Downtown Needles, California by collecting as many aluminum cans and plastic bottles.

Samuel G. Johnson III, Retired Staff Sergeant with the United States Air Force, tells ZachNews that he wants to see the community have a place to honor and pay respects to all of our veterans who served in all wars, including World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and Mideast wars.

In a letter provided to ZachNews, Samuel G. Johnson III said to the community:

“Dear Friends of the Needles Cannon, My name is Samuel Johnson III. George DeLeon and I are attempting to raise funds to clean, paint, restore, and maintain the veterans’ memorial cannon in the Santa Fe Park located on front Street in Needles, CA. We are also seeking donations to secure new plaques for WWII, Korea, Vietnam, and Mideast wars. The cost of the plaques alone is over $7,864 delivered. To raise funds, I am collecting aluminum cans and plastic bottles for the painting. All the the work is being done by volunteers. Donations of cans and bottles may be dropped off at my house at 307 E Street in Needles, CA. My cellular phone number is: 1 (512) 799-4827. Cash donations can be made into a donation account set up under the name “Samuel Johnson” at Desert Communities Federal Credit Union.”

Samuel G. Johnson III began researching the history of the cannon at Santa Fe Park in early 2016 and began working on the cannon with the help of Mr. George DeLeon, Commander for V.F.W. Post 404 in Mohave Valley, Arizona and Zachary A. Lopez of ZachNews (Seen In Posted Pictures).

The cannon at Santa Fe Park, located on the 900 block of Front Street in Downtown Needles, California, was made in 1917 and was set and dedicated in 1937.

For months, Samuel G. Johnson III has been collecting as many aluminum cans and plastic bottles as possible to get enough money for the supplies to restore the cannon and purchase the plaques, but has so far made under $50.00.

The goal was to collect enough money to paint the cannon before the “Run For The Wall” makes a stop at Santa Fe Park on Wednesday, May 17th, 2017, but that goal may not happen because not enough funds.

Samuel G. Johnson III hopes that the community through can unite together behind the Santa Fe Park Veteran’s Memorial and show that are community will never forget our veterans.

If anybody who wants to volunteer in restoring the cannon or want more information on donating to the Santa Fe Park Veteran’s Memorial, please contact Samuel G. Johnson III at: 1 (512) 799-4827.